AWWA QTC97093

Particle counting has rapidly become an indispensable technology for optimizing drinking water quality. Its ability to count and measure the size of discrete particles in the range of Cryptosporidium and Giardia is the primary reason for this. Since drinking water treatment is not merely concerned with minimizing the amount of particles but in analyzing the particles themselves, greater demands are placed on particle counters than those for which they were originally designed. At present, particle counters can only be calibrated for accuracy in sizing particles. There is a need for a size and count calibration standard that can be used in the field to evaluate the performance of on-line particle counters. This paper discusses the results of a large-scale study on particle counter performance using a polystyrene latex microsphere experimental standard. Thirty-seven count control bottles each containing two particle size standards with National Institute of Standards and Technology-traceable diameters of 3 and 10 microns, and with nominal counts of 2,000 and 200 per mL, respectively, were sent to industry. The intent of the study was to get an idea of the range of results observed from different particle counters, in different plants, all using the same standard.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1997

ISBN(s):

0898679583

Number of Pages:

15

File Size:

1 file , 110 KB